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Local Company Takes Its Software to the Air Show
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Also during the Farnborough air show, Albuquerque-based Ultramain Systems will unveil a new software system designed to speed aircraft repairs done between flights.
The software system, efbFlightLog, is designed to be used with new "electronic flight bag" computer systems that are slowly replacing paper maps, charts and flight logs used by commercial pilots. In an effort to reduce paperwork and improve reliability, many airlines are retrofitting jets with electronic flight bag computers and display screens, and new airliners have them designed into cockpits.
Ultramain's efbFlightLog is designed to replace paper flight logs, which pilots use to note maintenance issues with the plane, which are usually handled by crews on the ground between flights. It will allow information to be relayed to airports while the plane is in flight, so repair crews can be prepared for the work.
"So instead of landing and then getting all the data, they can fix the planes quicker right at the gate," said Ultramain president Mark McCausland.
Ultramain is a 26-year-old company that makes software used by airlines and air cargo companies to keep track of aircraft maintenance and upgrades. Its customers include Emirates Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific.